What is the function of a reducing agent?

A reducing agent functions by donating electrons to another substance during a chemical reaction, thereby facilitating a reduction process. This transfer of electrons is fundamental in redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions, where the reducing agent is oxidized in the process.

When a reducing agent donates electrons, it reduces the oxidation state of another chemical species, leading to its reduction. For instance, in the reaction between zinc and copper sulfate, zinc acts as a reducing agent by donating its electrons to copper ions, which reduces the copper ions to copper metal.

Understanding the role of a reducing agent helps in grasping the larger principles of electron transfer and chemical bonding, which are crucial in fields such as biochemistry and organic chemistry. Other options do not accurately reflect the primary activity of a reducing agent—it is not about accepting electrons, creating energy, or inhibiting reactions, as those denote different chemical processes and roles.